After the launch comes the time to test the Nintendo Switch2. We started testing various elements and one of those that we feel is important to highlight right now is the difference in performance compared to Nintendo's first console.
To do this, we launched several games on two consoles:
- A Nintendo Switch 2 purchased independently;
- A Nintendo Switch 1 first version dating from 2017, obviously a little tired.
On The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, day and night
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is one of the games with a paid Switch 2 update. It costs 10 euros, or comes with the Switch Online subscription with an additional pack, the most expensive version of the subscription.
We compared the game's launch using our two consoles. Here it is on Switch 1. It takes about 1 minute 24 seconds.
Here it is on Switch 2. It takes about 35 seconds to complete the chosen segment.
Once in the game, the improvement offered by the Switch 2 version is obvious. The fluidity is finally there and the support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology makes the game much more beautiful. The textures on Link stand out much better, for example, as do the different lighting effects of the environment or weapons. It's difficult to do all this justice via a video, but take our word for it, the difference is significant.
Judge for yourself. Here's the game on Switch 1:
Then the game on Switch 2:
On The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the game as it should have been released
While we're on the subject of Zelda, let's move on to Echoes of Wisdom. The game seen above featuring Princess Zelda was released in a pretty catastrophic state, with significant framerate drops in-game. This isn't necessarily obvious in this video.
And here's the Switch2 version, which is a free update, as a reminder. The frame rate is much more stable and the textures of the scenery look even better than on the Switch1 version.
As for loading time, the Switch1 takes about 45 seconds to launch and the Switch2 version takes 26 seconds.
Animal Crossing: Slightly Reduced Loading
Animal Crossing doesn't have a Switch 2 version, so it's a good candidate to see if the new console still marginally improves performance. From what we've seen, it seems that loading times are slightly reduced.
Expect to launch the game in about 58 seconds on Switch 1, compared to 42 on Switch 2. Not enough to radically change the experience.
On the other hand, don't expect any graphical improvements. We haven't noticed any between the two consoles.
Pokémon Scarlet and Purple
Like Zelda Echoes of Wisdom, the latest Pokémon suffered from significant technical shortcomings. Fortunately, both versions, Scarlet and Purple, benefit from a Switch 2 version that makes the experience much cleaner. We won't be able to offer you a comparison of two similar gameplay sequences, because the game prohibits saving data in the cloud to prevent abuse of Pokémon trading.
The 9th generation Pokémon game is much smoother on Switch 2, but also cleaner in terms of texture rendering and definition. On the other hand, it's regrettable that this free update still has microloading times when exiting menus. We're not talking about a few milliseconds here, but rather one or two seconds where you press the stick and the character doesn't react yet.
Super Mario 3D World: the difference isn't obvious
Finally, let's say a word about Super Mario 3D World. The game already ran very well on Switch1, so it's no surprise to see it perform in a very similar way on Switch2. We didn't notice any difference, so to speak. On the other hand, the Switch2 version offers the benefits of GameShare. So you can play with several people, each on your own console.
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